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What is the most difficult thing about English?

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Question added by ahmed abdallah , Language Instructor , King Saud University
Date Posted: 2016/03/14
Ghada Eweda
by Ghada Eweda , Medical sales hospital representative , Pfizer pharmaceutical Plc.

One of the reasons why English is known for being difficult is because it’s full of contradictions. There are innumerable examples such as:

  • There is no ham in hamburger.
  • Neither is there any apple nor pine in pineapple.
  • If teachers taught, why didn’t preachers praught?
  • If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
  • “Overlook” and “oversee” have opposite meanings, while “look” and “see” mean the same thing.

As we aren't  native speakers, we always stop to think how illogical many of the things we say really are – we’re finding difficulty  to them. Unless you’ve been brought up speaking English, how can you possibly begin to learn all these oddities? It’s little wonder that people trying to learn English end up feeling confused. But it gets worse.

Susan Marx
by Susan Marx , Chief Executive Officer (CEO) , AIM

Words that sound the same but have different spelling are often difficult for students. For example I read the book before class. I red the book before class. Both are pronounced the same way but have different meanings. Also the word read is used as a past and present word in a sentence, but are pronounced different. I read the book before class. Please read the book before class.

Racquel Floresca
by Racquel Floresca , Intern Guest Relation Officer , St. Regis

I think based on my working experiences in teaching English, one of the most difficult thing in English that most of the people encounter is the proper grammar.But once you have learned the correct grammar usage you will feel more accomplished and better. Grammar has a lot of rules and sometimes it varies depending on how you use and construct a sentence.

مها شرف
by مها شرف , معلمة لغة عربية , وزارة التربية السورية

I agree with specialties answers. Thanks t

MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN
by MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN , Senior Merchandiser , Ultimate Fashions Limited.

For a non native person I think, Speaking is the most difficult thing in English. Though he may knows all about it but without practice, atmosphere & cooperation with others its really difficult to speak fluently.

Nothing - you just have to try had and everything will work out for you 

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